Week 2 at Atlanta
Alshon Jeffery had a modest day compared to teammate DeSean Jackson. He was only targeted six times, but the production was still good because he scored two touchdowns (one in the air and one on the ground). In the end, Jeffery will be the most targeted wide receiver and will be a solid fantasy contributor.
It's a good matchup for the Eagles as Atlanta is 20th in aFPA to wide receivers after one week. Jeffery has more value in PPR leagues, but he should be in your lineup for Week 2 as a high-end WR3 or flex.
Week 1 vs Washington
Alshon Jeffery has been consistent over the past four seasons getting at least 90 targets per season and at least 50 receptions over that period. The Eagles have a lot of offensive weapons so the wealth will probably be spread through the skill players.
In the two meetings with Washington last season, Jeffery had eight receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown which breaks down to about his career averages against the 'Skins. Washington was average against the pass in 2018 so there is no advantage in the matchup.
Jeffery will be in play most weeks, but he only ranks a WR3 or flex for Week 1. Play him and expect similar numbers as he has had in the past.
Fantasy Upside
In his second season with the Eagles, Alshon Jeffrey put up some decent numbers as Philly’s No. 1 wide receiver, very similar to the season before. He caught 65 passes for 843 yards and six touchdowns. Jeffrey will continue that role this year and might be helped out by the addition of Desean Jackson as a deep threat. Jeffrey is not a speedster, but is an excellent jump ball and red zone receiver.
Fantasy Downside
Although Jeffrey is an important part of the offense, the Eagles passing game revolves around the tight ends. And Jackson could help attract attention away from Jeffrey, but he also could take away targets and receptions.
2019 Bottom Line
You can expect similar numbers for Jeffrey in 2019 as he put up the last two seasons for the Eagles - 65 catches and over 800 receiving yards. His ADP is 68 and that is about where he should be drafted. Feel comfortable taking him around the sixth round as a WR3.
Week 19 at New Orleans Saints
Just how charmed the Nick Foles-led Eagles are will be tested this week, as the Super Bowl MVP and winner of four consecutive games travels to New Orleans where Philadelphia lost by 41 in Week 11. The Birds have the third lowest implied team total this week at 21.75 points. The Saints rank 11th in aFPA to WRs. Alshon was shut down in Week 11. However, a jump in targets with Nick Foles at QB raises his floor this week. We can't project him as an elite option in the divisional round, however.
Week 17 at Washington Redskins
The Eagles offensive starters will be full-go in Week 17, as Philadelphia hopes to sneak back into the playoffs with a win and Vikings loss. With Nick Foles at the helm, this offense has posted back-to-back weeks of 30 points or more. Vegas has set a lower implied total for Philly this week at 24, despite the Eagles being installed as 6.5-point favorites. Washington ranks just 20th in aFPA to WRs. Alshon Jeffery has at least 80 yards and/or a touchdown in three straight weeks, making him a WR2 to close out the regular season.
Week 16 vs. Houston Texans
Jolly Ol' St. Nick Foles brought presents yet again to Philadelphia fans last week, and with playoff hopes still alive, Foles may come down the chimney yet again. Against Houston, Philly has an implied team total of 23.75 points, a little better than average for the Week 16 slate. The Texans rank just 26th in aFPA to WRs this season, and Jeffery instantly re-clicked with Foles last week. Seventeen targets over the past two weeks and a poor secondary puts Jeffery on the WR2 radar for Week 16.
Week 15 at Los Angeles Rams
The defending Super Bowl champs continue to suffer major injuries to starting positions, with the latest in the form of a back injury for Carson Wentz. Insert the Super Bowl MVP against his former team, as Nick Foles comes back to the spotlight. The Rams are just 23rd in aFPA to WRs this season, and this game has an over/under of more than 50, but the Eagles have an implied team total of less than 20. Extreme negative game script could mean high-volume passing. For these reasons, we like Jeffery as a WR2 this week.
Week 14 at Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles head to Dallas for a pivotal division match-up. Philadelphia has an implied team total of just 20.25 points, in the bottom-third for Week 14 against a strong Cowboys defense. Dallas ranks 11th in aFPA to WRs. Golden Tate has surpassed Alshon Jeffery in the target pecking order in recent weeks, out-targeting him 23 to 13 in the past three games. This virtually makes it impossible to start Jeffery. Doing so is just throwing a dart and hoping for a touchdown.
Week 13 vs. Washington Redskins
The Philadelphia - Washington game has a low over/under of just 45 points. The Eagles are home favorites against a backup quarterback, which could lead to more rushing volume than usual this week. Washington is 22nd in aFPA to WRs, but the trade for Golden Tate has submarined Alshon Jeffery's production. He now has four consecutive games with less than 50 yards. Most concerning of all is that he just has eight targets total in the past two games. He was averaging more than nine targets per game in his first four games this season. Jeffery belongs on benches in this crucial fantasy week. He's a touchdown-or-bust option at this point.
Week 12 vs. New York Giants
The Eagles offense was embarrassed in the Superdome last week, but there are indications of a bounce back this week. Philadelphia has an above average implied team total of 26 points. Alshon Jeffery has three consecutive games without a touchdown and less than 50 yards receiving, but a strong history against the Giants gives reason for hope. Jeffery has three scores in his last two games against New York. Averaging eight targets per game this year, Jeffery is back in the WR2 mix this week.
